Ampersand's Travels...

Welcome to Ampersand's travel blog. This is where you'll find out all the latest goings on from our travels across Asia, the Far East, and Southern Africa.

Our motto is that luxury is in the experience: watching tigers padding through the Kanha jungle in the company of an expert guide; camping out under the Ladakh stars wrapped in cashmere blankets; exploring the art galleries and fine dining restaurants in Cape Town... these are the things we adore.

All over Asia and Southern Africa – from Bhutan to Bali, Cape Town to Victoria Falls – we know the most charming privately-owned hotels, the best secret beaches, the prettiest temples, and the most exclusive safari trails in the untouched wilderness. Our Little Black Book contains the best textile buffs, the keenest foodies, the wittiest maharajas, the most expert guides and the loveliest spots to drink champagne in the moonlight.

But what we love most of all is revealing these treasures to our clients. In our blog we hope to inspire and inform you by providing the latest travel news, hotel openings and luxury holiday ideas across Asia, the Far East, and Southern Africa.

Discover the Magic of Japan Beyond Cherry Blossom Season

Discover the Magic of Japan Beyond Cherry Blossom Season

While cherry blossom season (sakura) is world-famous and an incredibly popular time to visit Japan, this unique country has so much to offer year-round. Explore historic temples, ski on fresh powder in the Japanese Alps, hike through hidden valleys, discover ancient pilgrimage routes, go diving in tropical waters, take part in a traditional tea ceremony or try a kimono in any season.

Geoffrey Bawa: The Pioneer of Tropical Modernism

Geoffrey Bawa: The Pioneer of Tropical Modernism

Geoffrey Bawa (1919 - 2003) is considered Sri Lanka’s most iconic architect and is often referred to as the “pioneer of tropical modernism." Redefining how the built form could harmonize with its natural environment, his prolific body of work blended modernist design with the tropical landscapes of South Asia. This blog explores some of Bawa’s key works across the island.

Luxury Travel with Ampersand Travel: Planning the Year Ahead

Luxury Travel with Ampersand Travel: Planning the Year Ahead

As summer starts to fade and we gradually get into the back-to-school mindset, at Ampersand Travel we think this is the perfect time to start planning your holidays for the year ahead. Based on our own travels and our extensive experience, we’ve mapped out our travel plans across Asia and Southern Africa over the next 12 months.

Our Favourite Properties Across Southeast Asia

Our Favourite Properties Across Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia, a region renowned for its vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes and diverse experiences, offers some of the most beautiful and luxurious properties in the world. In this blog, we explore our favourite properties across this region that all promise a unique and unforgettable experience.

Summer Reading List: Our Favourite Books to Inspire a South East Asia Adventure

Summer Reading List: Our Favourite Books to Inspire a South East Asia Adventure

If you’re embarking on an adventure to Southeast Asia, then what better way to prepare for your journey than by diving into some captivating reads that explore the region’s rich history and diverse cultures? We’ve curated a list of our favourite fiction and non-fiction books to inspire and enrich your Southeast Asia adventure.

Best Active Holidays in Asia

Best Active Holidays in Asia

Active holidays in Asia are not just about physical activity; they are about immersing yourself in the diverse beauty and culture of this rich continent. Whether trekking through the Himalayas, surfing waves in Sri Lanka, skiing in India or diving in Indonesia, browse our itineraries for ideas on how to create your own unforgettable active getaway.

Durga Puja Festival in Kolkata

Durga Puja Festival in Kolkata

Every autumn, Durga Puja festival transforms Kolkata into a spectacle of divine pageantry and communal revelry. Typically held in September or October and lasting 10 days, Durga Puja is not just a religious festival; it is a cultural, social and artistic event that brings the community together, transcending social barriers. It celebrates the empowerment of women, the triumph of good over evil, and the importance of family and community.

5 Top Tips for Travelling to Japan with Kids

5 Top Tips for Travelling to Japan with Kids

Safe, clean and culturally-rich, we consider Japan to be one of the most child-friendly countries in the world. To inspire your next luxury family holiday to Japan, we’ve put together a few tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to this one-of-a-kind destination.

5 Reasons Why Bhutan Should Be On Your Travel List

5 Reasons Why Bhutan Should Be On Your Travel List

This year marks 50 years since Bhutan opened its doors for the first time to foreign travellers, making it one of the most fascinating, untouched and least-visited places in the world. If you're seeking a destination that's both enriching and enchanting, here are five reasons why Bhutan should be on your travel list.

9 Unmissable Festivals in Asia

9 Unmissable Festivals in Asia

We believe that destinations in Asia are often at their best during festivals: locals in welcoming holiday mode, streets awash with colour and a chance to see centuries-old traditions played out in front of you. If you’re currently planning a luxury tailormade cultural tour in Asia, these are the nine festivals to try to factor into your forthcoming trip.


Client Testimonials

Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India

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